If you were one of the many South African travellers caught in the recent London Heathrow Airport fire, you know first-hand how quickly a dream trip can turn into a logistical nightmare. With hundreds of flights delayed or cancelled and thousands of passengers stranded, travellers were left scrambling to find alternative flights, rebook accommodation and rework carefully planned itineraries.
For those travellers affected by the unprecedented Heathrow shut-down who didn’t book via a travel agent, chances are they spent hours on hold, navigating chatbots, and juggling time zones while their trip unravelled in real-time. But for those who booked through a travel agent, help was just a WhatsApp or phone call away, because a travel agent isn’t just someone who books your flights and hotel: they’re your dedicated advocate when things go wrong.
Whether it's a flight disruption, a missed connection, an overbooked hotel, or even a medical emergency abroad, your travel agent is always only a message or call away, and they will act behind the scenes to solve problems and protect your investment.
Here’s an overview of how a dedicated travel agent will advocate for you when things go wrong when travelling abroad:
Imagine arriving at your hotel after 24 hours of travel — only to be told there’s no record of your booking, or that they’re fully booked.
While you’re standing at reception, your agent can be:
Bottom line: Travel agents know who to call, what to say, and how to escalate and/or resolve things quickly.
Whether it's due to weather, airline delays, or incidents like the Heathrow Airport fire, missed flights and tight layovers can derail your entire itinerary.
Your travel agent can:
Travel agents also know all the airline rules, so they can advise what you are entitled to for delays (for example, food vouchers and / or complimentary hotel stays), and they will work to ensure you are fairly compensated for your time and/or money.
No one wants to think about falling ill or getting injured on holiday — but if it happens, your travel agent can be a lifeline.
They can:
Top Tip: Every Sure Travel Agency has an emergency number to contact in case of emergency.
In an emergency, airlines and hotels are often overwhelmed with calls. Hold times are brutal, and automated systems rarely offer real help.
Your travel agent can bypass the red tape and:
Unlike a faceless online booking engine, your travel agent knows you. They understand your preferences, priorities, and travel style.
That personal connection means they’ll go the extra mile — because it’s literally their job to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Booking with a travel agent isn’t just about convenience — it’s about having a professional in your corner, especially when the unexpected hits.
Whether it's:
Your travel agent has your back!
As travel becomes more unpredictable — from weather events and global strikes to system outages and security incidents — having a knowledgeable advocate on your side is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
So before you book your next big adventure, ask yourself: if something goes wrong, who’s going to fight for you?
Spoiler Alert: We will! Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent today to book your next trip.
